We’re probably still waiting for Fair Game and Let Me In, I
suppose. But do keep asking for them at the box office – maybe they’ll get the
message we’re interested.
Now playing in Pattaya
The Social Network: US, Biography/ Drama/ History – By David Fincher. A
stellar film in my opinion, impeccably scripted, beautifully directed, and
filled with fine performances. It just last week won the top prizes of best
feature, best director (David Fincher), best actor (Jesse Eisenberg), and best
adapted screenplay (Aaron Sorkin) at the National Board of Review – the first
major awards of this “awards season” lasting through the Oscars on 27 February
(Hollywood time – Monday 28 February here in Thailand). It really is a most
excellent film, and you definitely should see it. It’s a vastly entertaining
account of Mark Zuckerberg and his founding of the social-networking website,
Facebook. Reviews: Universal acclaim. “A riveting, ambitious example of modern
filmmaking at its finest.” Not at Big C.
The
Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: US, Adventure/ Family/
Fantasy – Lucy and Edmund return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they
meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The
Dawn Treader. Along the way, they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a
band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world. The early reviews
seem quite mixed, but most do say that the post-production conversion from 2D to
3D is poorly done, and not worth the added ticket cost. Obviously, I haven’t
seen it yet.
Kapi: Thai, Comedy/ Drama – Story of an orphan boy who lives with a
mischievous monkey in his coconut field by the sea, playing on the tradition of
the coconut growers who use trained monkeys to harvest coconuts. When his field
is invaded by a rich developer who wants to build wind turbines, the boy and his
monkey team up to compete in a monkey contest to save their land. With Mum
Jokmok.
Cool Gel Attacks / Kra Deub: Thai, Comedy/ Sci-Fi – When an unidentified
gel-like object falls from the sky, two neighbors who have hated each other for
a long time team up to get rid of the alien one-eyed slug. Directed by and
starring Jaturong Mokjok, no doubt with the usual Thai light comedic touch, and
with the ever-present Kohtee Aramboy.
Samurai Ayothaya / Yamada: Thai, History/ Action – Such incredible
violence! Even in the previews you see the horrible breaking of bones of men in
battle, with amplified crunching sounds from the soundtrack! Continually. Way
too violent for me, and should be for you.
Unstoppable: US, Action/ Drama/ Thriller – Exciting thriller starring
Denzel Washington taming a runaway train, and it might just be the most
entertaining movie you will see this year. Seems everybody is enjoying this one,
I certainly did. Denzel is a real talent, and it’s comforting and a pleasure to
see him act. Just fun all the way through – if you’re in the mood for a runaway
train movie, and who isn’t now and then? Generally favorable reviews.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I: UK/ US, Adventure/ Fantasy/
Mystery – A superbly told tale, with some of the finest British character
actors. The first of the two-part conclusion to the series; Part II due in July
of 2011 – both directed by David Yates, who has directed the last two Harry
Potter films. Generally favorable reviews. Remember, they gave up on the 3D
conversion a few weeks ago, so what you have on display is a 2D film. In English
with Thai subtitles as usual; Big C has a Thai-dubbed version.
In large part it’s a preparation for the next film and the final confrontation
between good and evil, but it is a good deal more as well. Remember that the
filmmakers have to hew closely to the book – fans will not accept anything that
doesn’t flow from her pages. And what would be the point? The series is already
a modern legend, a part of the lives of a huge proportion of the world’s
population. It has to be what it is.
And what it is is a fine tale, told superbly. The adults are
the top English character actors of our time, and the youngsters are pretty good
by now. Best of all is the menacing and meditative mood of the film, which is
full of darkness and foreboding.
Dinner
for Schmucks: US, Comedy – Apparently not as bad as you would think. A
rising executive finds out that his superiors at work regularly host a dinner
celebrating and mocking the idiocy of their invited guests, and then he runs
into a man who would be the perfect guest: An extraordinarily stupid man who
possesses the ability to ruin the life of anyone who spends more than a few
minutes in his company. Starring Steve Carell and Paul Rudd. Mixed or average
reviews. At Pattaya Beach only.
My Soul to Take (3D): US, Thriller/ Horror – Director
Wes Craven’s latest horror film, about the return from death of a serial killer
to slay seven children. Probably only here to have something showing in Pattaya
Beach’s 3D cinema; it’s only there, and has had generally unfavorable reviews.
Fair Game: (perhaps) US, Biography/ Drama/
Thriller – Director Doug Liman’s fact-based drama of former US ambassador Joseph
Wilson; his wife, Valerie Plame Wilson; and the events of 2003, when her
identity as a CIA operative was leaked in retaliation by the White House after
her husband wrote an op-ed piece criticizing the US invasion of Iraq. Generally
favorable reviews.
Let Me In: (perhaps) UK/ US, Drama/ Fantasy/
Horror/ Romance – A bullied young boy befriends a young female vampire who lives
in secrecy with her guardian. Rated R in the US for strong bloody horror
violence, language, and a brief sexual situation. Generally favorable reviews.
Skyline: US, Sci-Fi/ Thriller – The technical aspects
of this film are superb, setting a new level of special-effects work. But the
dialogue and the plotting are really bad – probably the worst I’ve ever
experienced. An otherworldly force begins to kill of the entire human
population. Generally unfavorable reviews. Thai-dubbed at Big C, English
elsewhere.
Water / Nam: Thai, Comedy/ Horror – The usual Thai
slapstick. At Big C only.
Due Date: US, Comedy – A high-strung father-to-be,
played by Robert Downey Jr., is forced to hitch a ride with a college slacker
(and aspiring actor) on a road trip in order to make it to his child’s birth on
time. Rated R in the US for language, drug use, and sexual content; 15+ in
Thailand. Mixed or average reviews. At Major only, if at all.
